The World Leader In Commercial Embroidery Hooping Systems

Tag: embroidery

tutorial for velveteen blanket embroidery
How-to's

Velveteen Blanket Embroidery Tutorial (Step-by-Step with Mighty Hoop)

Looking to embroider a thick, luxurious velveteen blanket with professional results? In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to hoop and stitch a blanket using the HoopMaster Station, Adjustable Fixture, and a 4.25×13” Horizontal Mighty Hoop. This method is perfect for thick or delicate materials and tubular embroidery machines.

🎥 Watch the full video tutorial below

Tools Used in This Tutorial

Step 1: Set Up Your HoopMaster Station

Set up your HoopMaster station

Start by adjusting the HoopMaster Station to lie flat (you can hoop at an angle, but flat is easier for thick fabrics like blankets).

  • Flip the station over.

  • Loosen the thumbscrews and wingnuts.

  • Push the legs down until flat.

  • Tighten everything back in place.

  • Flip the board right-side-up.

Place the Adjustable Fixture on the station. We positioned ours above the number “8” on the board for reference.

Step 2: Secure Your Mighty Hoop

Secure your MightyHoop

We’re using the 4.25×13” Horizontal Mighty Hoop, ideal for tubular embroidery machines. If you’re unsure whether it fits your machine, check our website or give us a call.

To install:

  1. Insert the bottom hoop ring into the lower fixture.

  2. Slide the top piece of the fixture down to hold it snugly.

  3. Open the magnetic flaps for hooping access.

Step 3: Choose the Right Stabilizers

Choose the correct stabilizers

We used:

  • Two layers of tearaway stabilizer (for stability and easy removal).

  • One layer of water-soluble stabilizer on top (prevents stitches from sinking into soft fabric).

Because the back of the blanket will be visible, tearaway gives a cleaner finish than cutaway on this thin material.

Step 4: Mark Your Design Placement

Mark your design placement

For accurate placement:

  1. Use placement dots to mark the center.

  2. Measure from the bottom of the rope design to the edge of the blanket (ours was ~11″).

  3. Place your center mark at around 5.5″, then adjust it to sit perfectly within the rope’s knot.

  4. Align this mark with the centerline of the station.

Step 5: Hooping the Blanket

Hooping the blanket

Once your stabilizers are clipped in:

  1. Pull the blanket onto the station.

  2. Align the placement mark with the station’s centerline.

  3. Feel for the Mighty Hoop’s inner ring to make sure it’s centered.

  4. Remove the dot and lay the water-soluble stabilizer over the hoop area.

  5. Press the top ring of the Mighty Hoop into place.

Step 6: Embroidering the Design

Embroidering the design

  • Mount the hooped blanket onto your machine.

  • Drape the rest of the blanket over a chair to relieve arm weight.

  • Flip your design 180° before stitching (since it’s hooped upside-down).

  • Always run a trace to ensure your design fits inside the hoop.

Step 7: Cleanup and Finishing Touches

Cleanup and final touches

Once embroidery is complete:

  • Remove the hoop from your machine.

  • Tear away the water-soluble stabilizer.

  • Use tweezers or steam to remove any small bits stuck between letters.

  • Tear away the stabilizer on the back.

  • Trim any loose threads.

And that’s it — your embroidered velveteen blanket is complete!

Whether you’re personalizing a gift or tackling a thick fabric project, the HoopMaster and Mighty Hoop system makes the hooping process fast, clean, and frustration-free. This tutorial featured a special gift for Captain Kate McCue, but the techniques apply to any embroidery project involving dense designs and soft materials.

🛳️ Going on a cruise? A custom embroidered blanket makes a fantastic gift!

Need Help or Want to Order?

📞 Call us: (262) 257-0930 (Mon–Fri, 8:00am–4:30pm CST)
🌐 Shop all HoopMaster & Mighty Hoop products

How-to's

How to Hoop Thick Jackets with Magnetic Hoops

Embroidering thick jackets like Carhartt, canvas, and insulated workwear can be one of
the trickiest jobs in commercial embroidery. Traditional hoops often struggle with the
bulk, and misalignment is common. 

But with the magnetic Mighty Hoop and the HoopMaster System, hooping thick
garments becomes consistent, accurate, and far less frustrating.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to properly hoop heavyweight jackets
using the 5.5″ Mighty Hoop, the 5.5″ Fixture with FreeStyle Arm, and other helpful
accessories.

What You’ll Need to Hoop a Thick Jacket With Magnetic Hoops

Using the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s the setup we recommend when
hooping thick or insulated outerwear:
5.5″ Mighty Hoop® – A strong magnetic hoop that can clamp over seams,
zippers, and heavy fabrics without excessive pressure.
5.5″ Fixture with Freestyle Arm – Holds the hoop steady and allows for
consistent placement.
Portable Mounting Base – A lightweight, compact surface to stabilize the
Fixture during the hooping process.
T-Square Attachment – Helps ensure exact placement from garment to
garment, using fixed reference points.

These tools are designed to work together, making hooping not just possible—but fast
and repeatable.

These tools are designed to work together, making hooping not just possible—but fast and repeatable.

Step 1: Marking Placement for Repeatability

carhartt jacket

If you’re hooping the left or right chest area, start by determining logo placement on
the first jacket of each size. Getting this step right means you won’t have to measure
again for every jacket.
Here’s how to mark and measure efficiently:

  • Pick repeatable reference points—for example, the base of the collar or the
    edge of the pocket.
  • Unzip or unbutton the jacket so it lays flat.
  • Place it sideways on the fixture so the left or right chest is accessible.
  • Mark the logo placement using a washable fabric pen or placement sticker.
  • Use the placement mark to align your T-square and Fixture measurement
    lines so you can repeat this placement on future jackets of the same size.

By locking these placements in, you reduce human error and save significant time when
hooping large orders of multiple garments.

Step 2: Adjust the Fixture for Heavy Fabrics

hoopmaster fixture

The HoopMaster Fixture includes a blue sliding clip that affects how the lower hoop
ring releases during hooping. For thick jackets, move this clip to the shorter slot
position.
 This change allows the bottom ring of the hoop to easily attach to the top ring
when hooping.
 Using the blue clip in this position is recommended for any garment heavier than
a basic sweatshirt, including canvas, denim, quilted linings, and Carhartt-style
workwear.
 This position keeps the bottom ring from getting stuck in the Fixture when you
remove the hoop.
This small adjustment is one of the easiest ways to avoid frustration when hooping thick
materials.

Step 3: Hooping the Jacket

hooping a jacket

With your placement marked and your fixture adjusted; it’s time to hoop the jacket:

  1. Place the lower ring of the Mighty Hoop into the fixture. Make sure the warning
    labels are facing down.
  2. Lay the jacket on top, positioning the placement mark roughly in the center of
    where the hoop will go.
  3. Align your reference points:
    o Horizontal: Match the jacket edge with a known edge like the backing
    material holder.
    o Vertical: Use the zero point of the T-square and line it up with a fixed
    part of the jacket (e.g., the collar seam).
  4. Attach the top hoop ring to the Fixture arms and press down to engage the
    magnets.
     
lining it up

**Pro Tip: Don’t stress if your jacket doesn’t align with one of the printed ruler lines. Just use a straight edge, like the inner edge of the backing holder, to create a custom measurement you can replicate.

Step 4: Removing the Hooped Jacket Safely

removing hooped jacket safely

Thick garments can put stress on the hoop, so it’s critical to remove the jacket without damaging the hoop or shifting the garment inside it.

Follow these steps:

  • Never pull from the top ring alone—the jacket’s weight can cause the bottom ring to fall off.
  • Instead, reach under the hoop, grab the bottom ring, and lift both rings up and out together.
  • Once off the fixture, flip the jacket over and check the back for any puckering or bubbles in the lining.

If the lining looks loose or uneven, it’s best to rehoop the item for a cleaner result.

Step 5: Prepare for the Embroidery Machine

Before stitching, make a few final checks:

  1. Hold the top and bottom of the hoop firmly when transporting to the machine.
  2. Rotate your design 90° in your embroidery software to match the sideways hoop orientation.
    Support the weight of the jacket once hooped—don’t let it drag during stitching. Too much pull can cause the bottom ring to come loose, especially if embroidering close to an edge or seam.

Investing in a proper hooping setup and following these best practices ensures your stitch-outs are clean, centered, and securely hooped.

What About Tricky Areas Like Zippers or Pockets?

Some designs require placement near challenging features like:

  • Chest pockets
  • Heavy seams
  • Metal zippers
  • Multi-layer panels

Thanks to the strength of the Mighty Hoop® magnets, these problem spots are usually not a problem at all.

  • You can hoop over most seams and zippers with no issue.
  • The magnetic pressure adjusts evenly, reducing risk of damage or misalignment.
  • The HoopMaster system gives you enough control to work around features while keeping alignment consistent.

Final Thoughts

Hooping thick jackets doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right equipment, repeatable measurement techniques, and a few smart adjustments, you can dramatically speed up your production and reduce embroidery headaches.

If you’re ready to take the hassle out of hooping heavyweight garments, explore the tools featured in this tutorial:

Shop Mighty Hoop
Learn More about Hooping

5 Questions we always get asked about our products!
General

Our Top 5 Questions – Asked and Answered!

 

Question 1. Can I just buy the Mighty Hoop by itself?

Yes, of course! Mighty Hoops are magnetic embroidery hoops that grip fabric using powerful magnets, making it ideal for anything from thick garments to delicate materials. They reduce hooping-related strain on hands and wrists caused by manual adjusting of traditional hoops for different fabrics. They also lessen the chance for hoop burn. However, the HoopMaster Station and Mighty Hoop Fixtures are extremely helpful when you are looking to achieve fast, easy, consistent, and accurate placement, especially when hooping multiples. Not sure what is right for you? Click here to learn more. https://hoopmaster.com/about/hoopmaster-vs-mighty-hoop for a breakdown of our HoopMaster Magnetic Hooping System and Mighty Hoop capabilities.

Question 2. I love Mighty Hoops! I want to embroider caps now, what Mighty Hoops do you have for caps?

Currently, we do not make a magnetic Mighty Hoop for cap fronts. We do make a special magnetic Mighty Hoop designed for short sleeves and some cap backs. Although less known than our traditional Mighty Hoops, the 4.375” Round magnetic Mighty Hoop offers something a bit different. This hoop has less magnetic strength, as it was designed with smaller magnets, allowing it to have a smaller outer ring. This makes it easier to get into tight areas like short sleeves and some cap backs. It will not hoop thick bags, workwear, leather, or other difficult fabrics. The 4.25″ square magnetic Mighty Hoop would be a better option for that type of embroidery. The 4.375″ Round Mighty Hoop will fit most commercial embroidery machines, including the Brother and Baby Lock 1, 6 and 10 needle tubular machines. Looking for more information on this unique Mighty Hoop? Click Here https://hoopmaster.com/?s=4.375&post_type=product&type_aws=true

Questions 3. Do you do embroidery yourselves?

Although we no longer make embroidered goods to sell, we are constantly up to date with the embroidery industry’s latest machines, supplies and trends. We also do embroidery onsite for new product development and educational videos. In the 80’s we were called Midwest Embroidery and did contract embroidery and embroidery digitizing for more than 15 years before starting Midwest Products, Inc., home to the HoopMaster Hooping System and the Magnetic Embroidery Hoop, Mighty Hoop. You can learn more about our history here. https://hoopmaster.com/about

Question 4: How fast do you ship?

We obviously ship crazy fast! Most orders ship same or next day! Midwest Products, Inc. not only designs, patents, engineers, and produces its products in the USA, it also ships directly from its facility in Germantown, Wisconsin. We know how important it is to have the right embroidery tools for the job when you need them. Our shipping team takes great pride in accurately, efficiently, and quickly delivering your order. We use multiple shipping providers to make sure your HoopMaster and magnetic Mighty Hoops are delivered as quickly as possible. We offer Next Day Air options, and with ample notice, offer customer pick up at our facility. If you are overseas, don’t worry! We have multiple HoopMaster and Mighty Hoop resellers worldwide just waiting to assist you. Not sure where there is a reseller in your area? Just email us at info@hoopmaster.com and someone from our amazing Customer Support Team will assist you. Don’t be fooled by illegal Chinese copies, like MaggieFrame, SewTalent, MagnaHoops, or SewTech Magnetic Embroidery Hoops promoting fast shipping. These products are shipped from China illegally to the US and ship the opposite of fast. Interested in learning about our patents? Click here to find out more. https://hoopmaster.com/patents

Question 5. My hoops are jumping together and shifting my placement and sometimes my garment doesn’t come off my Station. How do I prevent this?

A: We have an answer for that too! Our engineers put time, effort and years of embroidery knowledge behind all our products, including the patented Blue Clip! We have created a WHOLE YouTube video explaining this little piece of wonder to solve both issues. Watch it here. https://youtu.be/1gF3XA1rx3g

Answers to the Top 5 Questions in this video

Have a question you’d like answered? Reach out to us at info@hoopmaster.com or on our socials! Be sure to follow us on our channels for all the latest news and product information.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/HoopMaster2

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mightyhoop

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoopmastermightyhoop/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hoopmastermightyhoop

Happy Hooping!

how to choose the right embroidery hoop
How-to's

The Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Embroidery Hoop

Embroidery hoops are one of the most crucial tools in machine embroidery. Selecting the right hoop size can make the difference between a perfect project and a frustrating failure. This detailed guide will walk you through the basics of embroidery hoops, key factors to consider when choosing the proper size, helpful tips for working with different hoop sizes, and accessories to elevate your embroidery experience.

Understanding Machine Embroidery Hoops

Machine embroidery hoops stabilize fabric during embroidery, ensuring it remains taut and in place. This prevents puckering and shifting, which can compromise intricate designs. Hoops come in various shapes and sizes, with rectangular and circular being the most common. The choice of hoop size affects the embroidery’s quality, precision, and ease of handling.

What is the Most Popular Embroidery Hoop Size?

  • The most popular embroidery hoop size is the 5.5-inch square hoop, or the equivalent 15-centimeter round hoop. This size is most common, as it is the perfect size for company logos and left chest designs. Most company logos and left chest designs are between 3.5 to 4.5 inches in size, which makes the 5.5-inch or 15-centimeter hoop the most popular size.

General Trends and Preferences in Embroidery Hoop Sizes

  • Embroidery trends and preferences in hoop sizes vary among embroiderers. This is because not all embroiderers focus on the same type of embroidery business.
  • Contract and corporate embroidery businesses tend to embroider left chest logos and designs. These designs are typically smaller and take less time to embroider. Due to this, contract embroiderers normally use smaller hoops and will have multiples of the same size hoop, so that they can be as efficient as possible.
  • Embroidery hobbyists tend to use a variety of hoop sizes, as they embroider many different items and design sizes. Unlike contract embroiderers, they typically only need one hoop of each size they use since they are not focused on speed.
  • Embroidery Businesses that focus on a specific niche market use hoop sizes that work best for the specialty items they embroider. They may only need one or two different hoop sizes, but multiples of them, or they may need a variety of sizes. Embroidery trends can also affect the hoop sizes they use.

Factors to Consider for Choosing the Right Size

When selecting the appropriate hoop size, consider the following factors:

  • Design Size: The industry standard is to always choose the smallest hoop possible to accommodate your design. Doing so will provide better fabric tension, reduced chance for misalignment while hooping, and less waste with items like embroidery stabilizers and water-soluble toppers.
  • Embroidery Machine Compatibility: Different machines have specific hoop size requirements. Ensure your hoop is compatible with your embroidery machine brand and model.
  • Product Being Embroidered: If you are embroidering a product with something that cannot be hooped over, like a thick seam, you will need to find a hoop size that can accommodate the design size while avoiding the seam.

Types of Embroidery Hoops

  • Round Hoops: Traditional and widely used, ideal for general embroidery.
  • Square/Rectangular Hoops: Typically used for larger designs and continuous patterns.
  • Oval Hoops: Offer a unique shape for specific design needs.
  • Magnetic Mighty Hoops: The newest and most efficient, user-friendly tubular embroidery hoop.

Innovative Hoop Technologies

Are Magnetic Embroidery Hoops Worth It?

  • The patented, magnetic Mighty Hoop eliminates pre-tensioning associated with traditional hoops, are suitable for thick workwear or delicate fabrics, reduce hoop burn and are built to take the daily use of the busiest commercial embroidery business.
  • Mighty Hoop benefits include:
    • Ease of Use: Quick setup and adjustments. Reduces stress on hands and wrists.
    • Consistent Tension: Ensures even fabric tension, reducing puckering.
    • Secure Hold: Strong grip without hoop marks.
    • Versatility: Suitable for different fabric types and thicknesses.
    • Time Saving: Reduces hooping time and increases efficiency and productivity.
    • Durability: Built for the commercial embroidery industry and warranted.

Accessories Recommended to Enhance Embroidery with Hoops

  • Stabilizers: Essential for supporting fabric; choose from tear-away, cut-away, no-show polymesh, or wash-away based on the project.
  • Hoop Grip Tape: Helps prevent fabric from slipping inside traditional non-magnetic embroidery hoops.
  • Hooping System: Simplifies and speeds up the embroidery hooping process, while making placement easy, accurate and consistent. The HoopMaster is the world leader in commercial hooping systems, using patented features essential to embroiderers and their business.
  • Hoop Templates: Aid in proper alignment for precision embroidery. The Pocket Guide, by HoopMaster, is a popular placement guide for both traditional hoops and magnetic Mighty Hoops.
  • Water soluble embroidery topper/stabilizer: Helps prevent embroidery stitches from sinking into thick materials like towels or fuzzy blankets for a clean embroidery look.

By carefully selecting your embroidery hoop, you can ensure high-quality results, and a smooth embroidery process every time. Happy hooping!

How-to's

The Rise of Personalized Easter Baskets: A Timeless Tradition Made Easy with Mighty Hoops

In recent years, personalized Easter baskets have surged in popularity, becoming a cherished tradition for families looking to add a unique touch to their holiday celebrations. Embroidering names on Easter baskets has transformed them from simple seasonal accessories into keepsakes that children and loved ones can treasure for years.

Why Personalized Easter Baskets Have Become a Trend

One reason for this growing trend is the desire for meaningful, customized gifts. Rather than using generic store-bought baskets, families are opting for ones that reflect the recipient’s personality. Adding a name in colorful embroidery not only makes the basket feel more special but also helps avoid mix-ups during egg hunts and Easter morning festivities.

Social media has also played a significant role in this personalization boom. The popular blue and pink easter bunny fabric totes (from “5 Below” and “Amazon”) with a name stitched in bright thread elevates the design and adds a professional, high-end look.

The Challenge of Embroidering Easter Baskets

Despite their popularity, embroidering names on Easter baskets isn’t always straightforward. The structure of most baskets—whether stiff, curved, or thick—makes hooping a challenge. Traditional embroidery hoops struggle to grip irregularly shaped materials, and the process can be frustrating for both beginners and seasoned embroiderers.

How Mighty Hoops Makes Easter Basket Embroidery Easy

Fortunately, Mighty Hoops has revolutionized the embroidery process with their magnetic hoops, making it easier than ever to personalize Easter baskets. These powerful magnetic hoops eliminate the struggle of clamping down bulky or uneven surfaces, allowing embroiderers to securely hold baskets in place without excessive pressure or distortion.

Mighty Hoops offers a variety of techniques for hooping Easter baskets, ensuring that no matter the shape or material, there’s a simple and effective way to get the job done. Their hoops provide a strong hold without requiring constant readjustment, saving time and reducing frustration. This innovation means even embroiderers with minimal experience can achieve professional-looking results.

We created a video showcasing just how easy it is for you to hoop Easter Baskets with multiple different hoop sizes and techniques. To learn how to Hoop Easter Baskets with Mighty Hoops watch this video!

To purchase any of the Mighty Hoop Products used to hoop Easter Baskets, click the links below.

9×3″ Mighty Hoop: https://hoopmaster.com/?s=9×3&post_type=product&type_aws=true

9×3″ Backing Holder: https://hoopmaster.com/product/accessories/backing-holder
4×6″ Mighty Hoop: https://hoopmaster.com/?s=4×6&post_type=product&type_aws=true

Adjustable FreeStyle Fixture: https://hoopmaster.com/product/mighty-hoop/barudan/4-25×13-fixture

Portable Mounting Base: https://hoopmaster.com/product/accessories/portable-mounting-base

5.5″ Mighty Hoop: https://hoopmaster.com/products/mighty-hoop

5.5″ Backing Holder: https://hoopmaster.com/product/accessories/backing-holder

Tear Away Stabilizer: https://a.co/d/bsm3D4n

Water-Soluble Stabilizer: https://a.co/d/28VcdTq

Placement Dots: https://a.co/d/8tBlJft